Speaking last night, Jewson said: “I have been honoured to serve as both a director and chairman of Archant for the last 31 years. During that time I have seen Archant grow from a small newspaper company in East Anglia into a successful community media business operating across the UK.

“I have always intended to retire by the time I reach 70 and this is now a good time to hand over to my successor, Richard Wyatt, to whom I wish all success.”

Jewson’s 54-year-old replacement has been a non-executive director with the company since 2005.

Wyatt said: "I would wish to pay the strongest tributes to Richard Jewson, who has contributed to the success and growth of Archant for more than 30 years. He is and will remain a source of wise counsel for me, and I wish him well in his retirement.”

Wyatt takes over on 1 January 2014. He is currently chairman of Loudwater Investment Partners Ltd and media agency the Engine Group.

Group chief executive Adrian Jeakings said: "Richard has played a major role in the development of Archant. He has been hugely helpful to me since I took on the role of chief executive and I wish him every happiness in his retirement.

“I am delighted that Richard Wyatt has accepted the position of Archant chairman and look forward to working with him in the future.”